NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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Algoma Community Foundation, in partnership with the Algoma University Students’ Union Equity Centre, is proud to present a special screening of Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story in celebration of National Coming Out Day 2025. The event, held in collaboration with the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) and the Edmonton Queer History Project (EQHP), aims to honour the contributions of the local 2SLGBTQI+ community while fostering meaningful conversations about equity, human rights and inclusion.
Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story chronicles the landmark legal battle that changed the course of Canadian history. In 1991, Delwin Vriend was fired from his job at a Christian college in Edmonton for being gay. When Alberta’s human rights legislation failed to protect him, Vriend took his case to the Supreme Court of Canada — and won. The 1998 decision in Vriend v. Alberta ensured sexual orientation was protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, shaping the future of 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Canada.
Directed by Darrin Hagen and produced by ECF and EQHP, Pride vs. Prejudice has been celebrated at film festivals around the world, earning multiple Audience Choice Awards and critical acclaim for its storytelling and cultural impact.
“The AUSU Pride Centre is proud and excited to partner with the Algoma Community Foundation, Edmonton Queer History Project and the Edmonton Community Foundation to host this film screening on National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11. We’re reminded that although harmful rhetoric and violence may be increasing against the queer and trans community, there is hope and strength. There is deep power and resilience in knowledge, and we are honoured to be able to provide spaces for accessible education,” says Marissa Ditoro, Equity Centre director with the Algoma University Students’ Union.
“Because of the nature of our work, community foundations are uniquely positioned to help foster dialogue and make connections in their communities to amplify awareness around local equity issues. This film is important for allies to see as it offers a deeper awareness of the history that has shaped our collective progress toward equity and inclusion,” says Desiree Gravel, executive director of Algoma Community Foundation.
“ECF is proud to partner with community foundations across the country to share Pride vs. Prejudice,” says Tina Thomas, CEO of Edmonton Community Foundation. “The Delwin Vriend case is not just Edmonton’s story — it’s Canada’s story. We hope these screenings spark reflection and dialogue while celebrating the resilience, advocacy and joy of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.”
Event details:
What: Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story screening
When: Oct. 11, 2025
Where: Algoma University – Room NW201
Tickets: Free, first come, first served
For more information about the screening, visit the events page or follow @algomacommunityfoundation on social media.
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